The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boko haram

  • Borno: SEMA spends N2bn on distribution of food, condiments to IDPs – Official

    Borno: SEMA spends N2bn on distribution of food, condiments to IDPs – Official

    The Borno State Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA ) on Saturday said it expended over N2 billion on distribution of food items and condiments to IDPs in the last four years.

    SEMA’s Chairman Alhaji Satomi Ahmad, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.

    Satomi said that the amount went into procurement and distribution of food stuff, firewood, drugs and condiments to persons displaced by Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

    He said that the gesture was to augment the Federal Government and development agencies’ efforts to support the displaced persons and address humanitarian crisis.

    “Previously, the agency spent about N20 million on procurement and distribution of firewood alone to displaced households in the camps and liberated communities.

    “The trend resulted in unprecedented upsurge in the demand and supply of firewood in the state.

    “ This also naturally resulted in depletion of forest resources and destruction of the environment which left us with no options than to start using charcoal,” he said.
    Satomi said the choice of charcoal came with high cost as the initial funds for firewood went up astronomically.

    The chairman said the agency had also concluded arrangements to de-worm and immunise all children in IDPs camps and liberated communities.

    He said that the exercise was designed to protect children against diseases, reduce morbidity and mortality.

    According to him, the agency had deployed nine mobile clinics to enhance rapid response and disaster management services in the state.

  • Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    The deadline given to the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, to capture Abubakar Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group,dead or alive has been extended.The extension which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, after a request for extension by the Theatre Commander, at the expiration of the 40-day deadline. The approval however didn’t specify the period of extension.Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Friday that the commander requested for an extension of the order to capture Shekau, which was granted by Buratai.

    He said, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, has commended the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his sector commanders and all troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for pursuing the COAS directive of capturing the purported Boko Haram terrorists’ leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive, within 40 days beginning on July 21, 2017, which elapsed on August 30, 2017.

    “Although the leader has not been captured, the COAS noted with satisfaction the zeal and determination with which the directive was pursued. He congratulated the commander for eliminating five key leaders of the terrorist group that were the closest associates and right-hand men of the terrorist group leader.

    Usman therefore urged citizens to go about their business and have confidence in the capacity of the troops to protect them, stating that with the killing of the 82 terrorists and the top five Boko Haram commanders, Shekau was no longer of any consequence.

  • There is no resurgence of Boko Haram – Minister

    There is no resurgence of Boko Haram – Minister

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says there is no resurgence of Boko Haram contrary to insinuation in some circles.

    Mohammed debunked the insinuation of the resurgence of Boko Haram in a remark to the media during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in his country home, Oro, near Ilorin.

    He said that some recent tragic events, including suicide bombings and the abduction of some staff of the University of Maiduguri, were antics by the insurgents.

    “The truth is that there is no resurgence of Boko Haram. Cowardly bombings and kidnappings are some of the hallmarks of an asymmetric warfare that insurgencies are.

    “And like I say all the time, such wars do not end by the signing of any truce. They taper off with time, as this one surely will,” he said.

    The minister said that to ensure that the insurgency tapered off quickly, the Nigerian troops were daily living up to their constitutional responsibility of maintaining the nation’s territorial integrity and securing its borders.

    “They are ensuring that never again will Boko Haram take control of our territories, attack our major cities, including Abuja, at will and fly their flag anywhere in the country.

    “Therefore, as we celebrate this Festival of Sacrifice, we owe the marked improvement in the security situation in our country in general and the North-East in particular to the men and women in uniform.

    “They have sacrificed so much to make our country safer than at any other time since the Boko Haram insurgency started in 2009.

    “Yes, we are not totally out of the woods yet, but we are much better today than we were in 2015, when this administration assumed office,” he said.

    While commending the entire military for the feat of “largely defeating Boko Haram”, he identified certain roles played by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the successes recorded.

    He said that with the support and the enabling environment provided by President Muhammadu Buhari, young and well-trained pilots were those flying the aircraft in the inventory of the NAF.

    Mohammed said unlike what was obtainable in the past, officers below 30 years of age, were Flight Lieutenants flying the planes, including the C-130s and serving as Instructor Pilots.

    He said after over 32 years, the NAF recently graduated 16 instructors from its primary flying school in Kaduna.

    “This is possible because the NAF has moved from just two trainer aircraft when this administration came into office to 14 trainer aircraft presently.

    “The number continues to grow, in addition to other logistical issues like availability of spare parts and aviation fuel being squarely addressed.

    “This has also ensured that pilots can conclude their initial flying training within four months.

    “I can tell you that from December last year to June/July this year, the Air force has ‘winged’ 32 pilots, who are now fully qualified to fly the air force’s aircraft,” he said.

    The minister noted that, in terms of building capacity through training and re-training of personnel, the NAF had also ratcheted up its capability.

    He called on Nigerians to keep praying and supporting the troops rather than dwelling on the Boko Haram resurgence that never was.

    He also called on the media to deny the insurgents publicity, which he described as “the oxygen they desperately crave to survive”.

  • Our main thrust is to decapitate all terrorists’ factions – Buratai

    Our main thrust is to decapitate all terrorists’ factions – Buratai

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the main thrust now of the military operations in the North-East is the decapitation of all the remaining terrorists’ factions.

    “With this feat achieved, the relevance of Shekau is no longer of any consequence,” Buratai said.

    In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations, Buratai commend the Theatre Commander, Operations Lafiya Dole and troops for neutralising five top commanders of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    He expressed satisfaction with the zeal and determination of troops to capture the Boko Haram terrorists’ factional leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive, in line with his directive which is yet to be achieved.

    The army chief, on July 21, gave the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, 40 days deadline to capture the terrorists’ leader.

    The deadline expired on Aug. 30.

    He noted that the five key leaders of the insurgents recently eliminated by the troops “were the closest associates and right hand men of the terrorists’ group leader – Shekau.”

    “Within the same period, 82 of the Boko Haram terrorists were eliminated.

    “Therefore, the commander (of theatre command) was very close to achieving the directive.

    “The theatre commander has asked for the extension of the deadline and it was granted.

    “Given deadlines and extensions are strategic means of focusing troops’ efforts in the theatre,” Buratai said.

    He urged the people of the North-East and indeed Nigerians to be more confident of the Nigerian troops and go about their normal activities.

  • Shettima pleads with Borno people over vehicular restriction

    Shettima pleads with Borno people over vehicular restriction

    Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Friday apologised to residents in the state for the vehicular restriction on Eid day in Maiduguri metropolis.

    Shettima gave the apology in Maiduguri through a statement issued by Malam Isa Gusau, his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy.

    The governor also called for renewed prayers to end insurgency, facilitate rebuilding and safe re-settlement of people displaced by Boko Haram insurgents.

    “I understand and share the pains of the restriction of vehicular movement on Borno citizens, particularly the elderly, children and women who have to trek to the Eid grounds from their distant homes.

    “Vehicular restriction is imposed as part of security measures to prevent any breach that could cause harm on the citizenry.”

    He said that festivities were meant for celebrations and was painful when State Security Council imposed ban which subjected citizens to some forms of difficulties.

    “Vehicular restrictions are normally imposed as last option after members of the State Security Council exhausted consideration of all other alternatives available to them,” Shettima explained.

    The governor, currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj, expressed deep concern over the troubles the elderly citizens, women and children encountered in trekking long distances to worship.

    Shettima said that he appreciated the efforts of the military, police, members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilance groups and hunters to put an end insurgency in the state.

    He said that the security operatives under President Muhammadu Buhari  had remained gallant and dedicated in their determination to improve on the security situation in the state.

    The governor expressed optimism that subsequent festivities would not require measures that would subject citizens to difficulties.

    He also commended the residents for their tolerance, understanding, courage and support to government’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

    The governor called on the people to support government and security agencies in the counter-insurgency campaign to usher in a new era of enduring peace, social and economic prosperity.

    He urged the people to sustain their empathy and support to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    He advised them to remain steadfast in prayers for the success of the ongoing rehabilitation of communities and restoration of means of livelihood to communities ravaged by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Shettima also called on displaced persons to support and be hospitable to humanitarian workers providing services at IDPs camps and liberated communities.

    “Humanitarian workers are in Borno to help those in need of food, medical attention, shelter and livelihoods in order to share the responsibilities of the Federal and state governments in Nigeria.

    “The activities of the humanitarian aid workers are funded by donors who parted with scarce resources after concerted advocacies by humanitarian stakeholders including the United Nations (UN), Nigerian Government, foreign donor countries and the state government.

    “While recognising and understanding the trauma faced by displaced persons and challenges of meeting their basic needs, the recent misbehaviour towards humanitarian workers in one of the IDP camps in the state was uncalled for’’.

    The governor warned that such unruly behaviour would not be allowed to repeat itself, noting that interventions of government and humanitarian agencies should be regarded as deserved privileges which should be reciprocated with cooperation and mutual respect by displaced persons.

    Shettima reiterated his administration commitments to the reconstruction and rehabilitation programme to fast track safe re-settlement of displaced persons and provide means of livelihood to enable them to engage in productive activities.

  • UK promises backing for Nigeria against Boko Haram

    The United Kingdom (UK) yesterday lauded the Federal Government for its continuous contributions to peace-keeping operations across the globe despite its internal security challenges.

    Citing Liberia and Sudan in particular, the UK said Nigeria’s efforts to ensure peace in other countries cannot go unnoticed.

    It, therefore, pledged further assistance to the country to enable it overcome the challenges of internal security threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgent group.

    UK Foreign Affairs Minister and member of Parliament Boris Johnson made the observation at the inauguration of the Abuja Memorial erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

    The event, which was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin, the representatives of the Service Chiefs, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria and other top British Embassy officials as well as top military officers and war veterans, was in honour of over 2000 fallen heroes from Nigeria, who lost their lives during the 1st and 2nd World Wars.

    Johnson, who said the father of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai was among the fallen heroes of the wars, noted that “they fought in daring operations behind enemy lines to bequeath freedom and peace to the world”.

    He said: “In the struggle against tyranny in the 20th century, British did not fight alone and, therefore, we will never forget the contributions of millions of people across the world, who fought in defence of liberty and lost their lives in the process.

    “We remember the immense contributions of Nigerian armed forces to peace keeping operations around the world despite the security threats here at home; it is commendable that Nigeria continue with its obligations on peace keeping operations.”

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama said the Federal Government would continue to appreciate the British government for sending military contingents to the Northeast for the training of army forces personnel in the counter-insurgency operations.

    The minister said: “It is this same love for peace and freedom that made United Kingdom to support Nigeria against terrorism. The British military contingents have been in the Northeast Nigeria, providing training to the Nigerian military in its combat against Boko Haram.

    “This occasion should be to salute the courage and gallantry of the armed forces in discharging their noble duties of defending and protecting the civilised world from forces of evil.”

  • ‘Top Boko Haram commanders killed in military operation’

    ‘Top Boko Haram commanders killed in military operation’

    The Army said yesterday it had neutralised several Boko Haram commanders and many of their foot soldiers in the ongoing operation against the insurgents in the Northeast.

    Its spokesperson, Sani Usman, said in a statement that the operation was conducted jointly with the Air Force.

    Usman said the operation, undertaken based on “credible intelligence information,” targeted Boko Haram hideouts, adding that “more details of successes achieved will be made available as the operation continues”.

    The spokesperson named five top Boko Haram commanders neutralised in the operation as including Abu Dujana, Man Tahiru, a Deputy to Boko Haram terrorist group Hisba leader, Man Chari, Malam Abdullahi Abu Sa’ad and Goni Bamanga.

    “The Nigerian military would continue with the concerted onslaught on the reported Boko Haram terrorists’ locations till they have been eliminated,” he added.

    The military is presently engaged in counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast to curtail the activities of the Boko Haram, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many.

  • Deputy Boko Haram leader, five others killed by troops

    Deputy Boko Haram leader, five others killed by troops

    The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that at least six key leaders and several Boko Haram militants have been killed in military operations in the last few days.

    Among those killed were the Deputy Hisba Leader of Boko Haram, Man Tahiru, and other top commanders of the insurgent group such as Abu Dujana, Man Chari, Malam Abu Sa’ad and Goni Bamanga.

    Several members of the terror group were also killed in the operations conducted during the week.

    The Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations, Brig. General Sani Usman, said in a statement that the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out heavy artillery bombardments and air interdictions to hit targets believed to be hideouts of Boko Haram leaders.

    The statement reads: “Based on information received about the location of some suspected top Boko Haram leaders, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force have been carrying out heavy artillery bombardments and air interdictions on registered targets that had killed a large number of Boko Haram terrorists including some of the group’s key leaders.

    “The Nigerian Army artillery using Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers has lobbed many rockets over the suspected location the terrorists’ leaders are hiding. Video clips obtained on battle damage assessment showed the clear success of the exercise. More details of successes achieved will be made available as the operation continues.

    “The key Boko Haram terrorists Ameers neutralized within the week during the joint Artillery and Nigerian Air Force air bombardments include – Abu Dujana, Man Tahiru (Deputy to Boko Haram terrorist group Hisba leader), Man Chari, Malam Abdullahi Abu Sa’ad and Goni Bamanga.

    “The Nigerian military would continue with the concerted onslaught on the reported Boko Haram terrorists’ location till they have been eliminated.”

     

     

  • Boko Haram top commanders killed by Army

    Boko Haram top commanders killed by Army

    The Nigerian Army said on Thursday it had neutralised several Boko Haram commanders and many of their foot soldiers in the ongoing operation against the insurgents in the North East.

    READ ALSO: Boko Haram destroyed 75% water, sanitation infrastructure in Northeast – UNICEF

    Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement that the operation was conducted jointly with the Nigerian Air Force.

    Usman said the operation, undertaken based on credible intelligence information, targeted Boko Haram hideouts, adding that “more details of successes achieved will be made available as the operation continues.”

    READ ALSO: Boko Haram Escapee recounts orderal in Sambisa forest

    The spokesman named five top Boko Haram commanders neutralised in the operation to include Abu Dujana, Man Tahiru, a Deputy to Boko Haram terrorists group Hisba leader, Man Chari, Malam Abdullahi Abu Sa’ad and Goni Bamanga.

    “The Nigerian military would continue with the concerted onslaught on the reported Boko Haram terrorists’ locations till they have been eliminated,” he added. (NAN)

  • Air Force confronts Boko Haram with troops

    Air Force confronts Boko Haram with troops

    Troops from the Air Force (NAF) are set to confront insurgents in the Northeast, in a rotation of personnel, which began yesterday.

    The exercise is to step up clearance of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

    NAF said the personnel rotated in the exercise included those who completed their mandatory tour of duty in line with international best practices in military operations.

    A statement by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said the exercise involved transporting troops from the frontline to their homes, while new troops were deployed to take over their duties.

    He said: “With the rotation, affected NAF personnel, who left their families, have the opportunity of reuniting with them after a meritorious service.

    “The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, hailed the troops, who were rotated, and expressed the nation’s gratitude for their sacrifice.

    “The CAS thanked relatives of returning NAF personnel for enduring the long absence of their loved ones.

    “Abubakar urged those deployed to be courageous, determined and committed while contributing to ending insurgency.

    “NAF has transported 38,000kg of relief materials to Freetown, Sierra Leone capital, following the mudslide and flood, which led to loss of life and property.

    “The materials were donated by the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering of people affected by mudslide and flood.

    ‘’The exercise, which was conducted in five sorties with NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft, is in partial fulfilment of the statutory responsibility of NAF.”